Paris: Stan Wawrinka’s array of shots was too much to handle for a resurgent Gael Monfils as the 2015 champion reached the French Open quarterfinals with a 7-5, 7-6(9-7), 6-2 victory here late Monday evening.
The Swiss third seed had been a break down in the opening set but ultimately played tighter when it mattered while Monfils, who has been struggling with injuries this season, looked at times out of sorts.
The exit of 15th-seeded Monfils means France’s search for a male champion here will go into a 35th year. Their last men’s singles winner at Roland Garros was Yannick Noah in 1983.
“Stan was better than I was today (Monday),” a dejected Monfils reflected. “He was able to seize all opportunities. He was able to do more things and pick up, you know, the sets.”
Wawrinka, who has reached the last eight of the tournament without dropping a set, next takes on Croatian seventh seed Marin Cilic for a place in the last four.
“It was tough conditions, a lot of tension because we know each other so well, and so I am happy to get through this match,” Wawrinka informed. “I was expecting him to have a lot of support, but I thought the crowd was very fair, and I am happy with everything.”
Meanwhile, Cilic has flown under the radar since arriving here but after reaching the French Open quarterfinals for the loss of 26 games he looms as a clear and present danger.
The 28-year-old Croat joins four other Grand Slam winners in the last eight but, while nine-times Roland Garros winner Rafa Nadal, holder Novak Djokovic, 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray make the headlines, Cilic barely gets a mention.
He was on court for 48 minutes Monday before South African Kevin Anderson retired because of a leg injury with Cilic leading 6-3, 3-0 on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Timea, Jelena in semifinals
Timea Bacsinzky and Jelena Ostapenko booked semifinal berths in the women’s singles with contrasting victories at the rain-interrupted French Open here Tuesday. Swiss Bacsinzky dashed French aspirations with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Kristina Mladenovic. However, Ostapenko had to fight hard before overcoming former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. All men’s singles matches were postponed to Wednesday.
Reuters
